Here's how you can use networking to strategize your career change.

Consider what your short, medium and long term goals are for your career as well as for the scope of your role. Balance out helping others, against your own interests. Being genuine and people centred will help your network grow rapidly because people will place a greater value and interest in your work, and they will see that you care.

First of all: Be Genuine and Helpful. Approach networking with authenticity and a genuine interest in building mutually beneficial relationships. Reach Out to Existing Contacts: Start by reconnecting with former colleagues, classmates, mentors, and other professional contacts. Let them know about your career change goals and ask if they have any insights, advice, or connections that could be helpful. Attend Networking Events (like SXSW). Join Professional Groups and Associations and Seek Mentors and Advisors.

Don't try to network, Instead learn to become 'networkable'. Think about the reason why you might want to connect with someone. It's usually because you think they may be of some value to you. At the heart of networking lies "value". While you may reach out to someone in a social setting or exchange cards, if YOU are not valuable that connection is not going anywhere. Value can come in many forms such as being rich, powerful, influential and so on....However if you don't have those qualities try and become valuable in other ways. Someone who is intelligent, well read, humorous, great company, helpful and caring etc. What do YOU bring to the table in a relationship ? It's very important to know the answer to this.

The key here is to talk to people and seek their advice. Most people are afraid they’ll bother people by asking for help but what’s actually a lot more true is that people love helping people and also people love talking about themselves! Listen. Learn. Ask lots of questions. Most opportunities happen from intended consequences so you want to be in as many places as possible and listen and keep an open mind. Stay positive. Thats often easier said than done. But remember your future is not out there waiting for you. You need to create it starting now

Focus should be on relevant networking on Linkedin. You have to define your why, your purpose and your' True North' and than define the next careerstep you want to take or need to take. If you for instance want to 'leave the corporate rat race' and become a solopreneur like I did in two steps in 2001 & then in 2011, you need to define a relevant LinkedIn communication and marketingplan as a basis for your relevant networking on LinkedIn. And carry out that relevant Linkedin-networkingplan. In that case you ignore all 'corporate' members including recruiters, companies, communities, industry events, universities, business schools & 'free webinars' Again, focus is on RELEVANT networking & not on becoming a 'Top Voice' on Linkedin.

I couldn’t agree more. When I was young, my dad told me that for every hand I shake could be worth $5 later to me in life. While that doesn’t sound as altruistic as I would like you to think of me, the truth is, I grew up without a lot of money so to my 10 year old self, that visual was a motivation to me…and while you get A LOT more than $$ from networking, that visualization helped me practice the fine art of engaging and contributing in an effort to connect. And the more you do it, the easier it is. Networking doesn’t have to come with lots of pressure. Maybe you commit to going to an event and set a goal of meeting just two new people. If you do that enough times, it will pay off. Personally, professionally and yes, even financially.

Hit up LinkedIn, social media spots, and any professional events where your industry peeps might be chilling. Don’t just watch from the sidelines—get in there! Introduce yourself, spark up some genuine convo about their work, and let them know what you’re all about. And don’t just drop a line and disappear; keep that connection alive. Check in, swap stories, share a couple of wins, and keep that dialogue fresh. It’s all about building solid relationships that can open doors down the line. Remember, it’s not just who you know, but who feels they truly know you. Let’s make those connections count!

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards; it's about building genuine connections. Start by reaching out to your existing network – friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Let them know about your career aspirations and seek their advice or introductions. Attend industry events or join professional associations related to your target field. Don't be afraid to initiate conversations and introduce yourself to new people. Building a diverse network will open doors to valuable insights and opportunities.

More than just creating a network of contacts, it's important to cultivate these relationships over time. Regular interaction and genuine interest not only strengthen professional ties but can also open doors to valuable opportunities and support in the future.

Make sure when you’re hitting up these informational interviews, you’re not just soaking up the vibe; you’re also peeling back the layers of their experience. Get into the nitty-gritty of their struggles and how they finesse their way through the rough patches. That’s the real tea! Plus, a solid mentor doesn’t just open doors; they throw them wide open. So, don’t sleep on this strategy—it’s a major key to leveling up in your career game. Keep it moving, and remember, it’s not just who you know, but who knows what you can do!

Networking is a two-way street. As you connect with others, show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. Ask thoughtful questions and actively listen. Share your own insights and offer support or advice when appropriate. Engaging in meaningful conversations not only fosters stronger connections but also provides valuable learning opportunities that can inform your career change strategy.

By connecting with people who have already achieved what you aspire to, you gain access to practical and in-depth insights into your field of interest.

Connecting with mentors is crucial, whether they are from your industry, the position you aspire to, or just on general topics; I highly recommend having guidance and advice at your fingertips. This can be through one-on-one meetings on platforms like ADPList, at in-person events, or over a coffee. But mentorship can also be indirect, such as listening to inspiring podcasts, reading books, or attending talks. There's always something to learn—new paths, methods, tips, and importantly, the mistakes others have made.

Engage Mentors: Find yourself some top-notch mentors who can show you the ropes. Their guidance is pure gold. They’ve been there, done that, and can help you avoid those rookie mistakes.

While networking can be a powerful tool for your career transition, it shouldn't be a one-sided endeavor. Look for ways to offer value to your connections. Share relevant resources, introduce them to others in your network, or provide feedback or insights based on your expertise. By actively contributing to the professional growth of others, you'll not only strengthen your relationships but also position yourself as a valuable asset.

I would start with offering value. This should be first and foremost. It may seem counterintuitive to give value first when you need connections, a job, and income; however I have found that the more people you help, the more you receive. The law of reciprocation is a real thing. It forms the bedrock of civilization. Invite your closest circle of 10-20 contacts out to lunch or coffee over the next 6 months. Ask them about their challenges. Be genuinely interested. Find ways to help. By prioritizing genuine, mutually beneficial connections and being generous with your own knowledge and resources, you can build a strong, sustainable network that supports your personal and professional growth.

Focus on what you can control and tackle difficult decisions transparently and without fear of exposing yourself. Being brave and authentic not only builds trust but also creates a clear path for others to follow. Learning from each person is equally crucial. Practice active listening and appreciate that each team member has something unique to contribute. Inspire and guide your team by understanding and effectively communicating goals and expectations. Providing honest and clear feedback is essential; remember to request it as well, to foster an environment of continuous improvement and collaboration.

When networking, remember it's a two-way street. Always think about how you can offer value to your connections. Perhaps you have expertise in an area they're interested in, or you could assist them with a project. By being helpful and showing your willingness to contribute, you create a positive impression that can lead to strong and mutually beneficial professional relationships.

As part of your relevant linkedin-networking plan, you need to focus on leveraging RELEVANT events online and offline. That includes so-called 'free' webinars on Linkedin. In my non- corporate online world, short virtual events and webinars are much more important. We almost never spend our precious time, energy and money on attending long offline events and conferences. Why? My clients and prospects and partners do not go there either!

Attend industry events, conferences, or meetups related to your desired field. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to connect with professionals, learn about emerging trends, and gain valuable insights. Prepare an elevator pitch that concisely explains your background and career aspirations. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and follow up with new connections after the event to maintain momentum.

Events are incredible opportunities to connect with professionals who share similar interests and also to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the field.

Get yourself out there and attend industry events, conferences, you name it. It’s all about expanding your network and making those crucial connections. And don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone new – you never know where it might lead!

Networking is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Stay active and consistent in your efforts. Follow up with connections, continue to engage in online discussions, and attend regular networking events. Share updates on your career transition journey and seek feedback or advice from your network. Consistently nurturing your relationships and staying visible will increase your chances of uncovering valuable opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Stay consistent in the process. Make alterations to your system if needed. Make sure to have a plan B,C,D and so on. Only keep a note of things that are important to you and leave all the negatives behind.

Focus should be on RELEVANT networking on Linkedin. Depending on what your next step, career change or careerswitch in finding meaning in your work. If you want to stay working in your current corporate or government work environment or industry, you define and implement your linkedin-networkingplan based on that. If you want to 'leave the corporate rat race' and become a solopreneur like I did in two steps in 2001 and then in 2011, you define a relevant LinkedIn relevant networkingplan on LinkedIn for that. Same thing when you want to found your own startup, join a scaleup or another type of SME. With every careerstep, focus is on RELEVANT networking so that you do not waste your precious time, enery and money on false experts.

Set up informational interviews with people in the industries / career areas you want to break into. Let them know you are interested in working in that field, and you would like to get their feedback on what it's like to work within that particular industry. It's important to remember that this is not a job interview. It's an informational discussion. Let them know that you don't even know if you really, truly want to transition into that field, you're trying to ascertain whether or not it would be a good fit for you. This takes the pressure off of both of you, and you can approach the situation with curiosity and a sense of adventure, rather than a painful, stressful career interview. You're just building a prototype and testing it.